Castel Gandolfo, Lazio tourist guide (the Pope's summer residence) Terracina temple Castel Gandolfo, Lazio A pretty hill-town perched high above Lake Albano (Lago di Albano), Castel Gandolfo is just a few miles south of Rome, and is the summer residence of the Pope Castel Gandolfo is one of the Castelli Romani , historic towns dotted around the wooded Alban Hills and dominated by grand villas. The summer residence of the Pope, Castel Gandolfo is little more than a pretty village clustered around the Papal Palace and the extensive gardens enjoyed by popes for centuries. It was a particular favourite of John Paul II, and one of the first acts of his successor, Benedict XVI was to thank the people of Castel Gandolfo and assure them that he, too, would be spending his summers in their "beautiful little town" above Lake Albano. Much of Castel Gandolfo is discreetly dedicated to the various Pontifical villas and religious foundations. The Papal Palace - with astronomical observatory attached - dominates Piazza della Libertï¿½, but other locations, like the sprawling papal gardens, are tucked away out of sight.

The papal tradition of spending summer here dates back to Pope Urban VIII (1623-1644). However, it wasn't the first time that an important Roman had summered on this spot; the pontifical gardens of the seventeenth-century Villa Barberini cover the site of a villa belonging to the Roman Emperor Domitian. The Pope's gardens are truly spectacular, but sadly not open to the general public. With splendid views reaching over the plain to the sea, they contain extensive formal areas, farmland and a large chamber dating back to the time of Domitian. On the attractive main square, Piazza della Libertï¿½, the church of San Tommaso di Villanova, designed by Bernini, sits opposite the palace gateway. As well as a couple of cafes, there are also a few shops selling local produce and tourist fripperies in the piazza, perhaps with an eye to the faithful who arrive on summer Sundays to see the Pope. Castel Gandolfo is a sleepy little place, but although there's not a great deal for tourists to see, it's a pleasant spot to spend a few relaxing hours.

There are some good places to eat, including the panoramic terraces of the Ristorante Bucci (pictured). The area is renowned for its local produce, and several establishments offer you the chance to taste and buy wine, meat and other local specialities. The town is picturesque, offering good photo-opportunities and a chance to appreciate Italian small-town atmosphere. It's hard to believe you are just a few miles from Rome as you admire the peaceful lake views or wander the tiny lanes. There is a tourist information kiosk (limited opening) close to the piazza (under an arch and down a slope) on Via Massimo d'Azeglio. Some decent public toilets are located below the piazza, overlooking Lake Albano. To reach Castel Gandolfo station, descend the zig-zag footpath helpfully called Via della Stazione. The town has a peach festival, the Sagra delle Pesche, on the third Sunday in July. The patron saint is San Sebastiano, whose saint's day is celebrated in September. Castel Gandolfo transport Castel Gandolfo is 15 miles from Rome and can be reached by bus from Anagnina Metro station, or by train from Rome's Termini station.

Trains are infrequent, but the journey is very scenic. The station is halfway up the slope above Lake Albano (be alert as the station is not clearly announced or signed). A steep path zigzags uphill to the town, emerging just below the main square. It's quite a climb. The train and buses connect the town with the rest of the Castelli Romani. The enterprising could try walking to nearby Albano (along the wooded main road above the lake; 25 minutes then a steep drop into Albano) or down to the lakeshore and Marino. However, the roads are designed for cars and not pedestrians, so it's not a particularly enjoyable or safe walk. Castel Gandolfo accommodation In the historic heart of Castel Gandolfo is Hotel Castel Gandolfo - a well-reviewed hotel with lake views. Castel Gandolfo, Near Rome, Prepares to Welcome Pope - The New York Times The New York Times Europe |Hilltop Town, a Host to Popes for Centuries, Prepares for an Eminent Retiree Search Continue reading the main story Photo The entrance of the Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo's Freedom Square.

Benedict XVI will spend two months in the town before moving to a convent inside the Vatican. Credit Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — This cramped hilltop town outside Rome is in its final preparations for the arrival on Thursday afternoon of an honored guest: Pope Benedict XVI , who will commence his new life as pope emeritus, one of the titles by which he will be known. Town officials have been gearing up for a rousing — as far as ecclesiastical events go — welcome, with ringing bells, processional torches and the distribution of religious images with the pope’s countenance on one side and a prayer on the back. “We want to express affection and solidarity for a choice that left us perplexed and stunned,” said the Rev. Pietro Diletti, the parish priest of the church of San Tommaso di Villanova, where the pope celebrates Mass each Aug. 15, the feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The pope will spend some two months here as he waits for the restoration of more permanent lodgings in a convent inside the Vatican where he will live out his life, “hidden to the world,” as he said this month.

And as the College of Cardinals begins to congregate next week ahead of a March conclave to choose Benedict’s successor, the pope’s off-season stint in Castel Gandolfo, about 15 miles southeast of Vatican City, is an added assurance that he won’t exert any undue influence in the selection. For nearly 400 years, the town of Castel Gandolfo has played host to a succession of pontiffs seeking solace from the stifling Roman summer. Photo A landscaped garden nestled amid the pontifical villas, an area that totals about 135 acres. Credit Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times The papacy first laid claim to Castel Gandolfo — originally a small fortress belonging to the Savelli family — in 1596, but it was 30 years later that it officially became the papal summer residence, when Pope Urban VIII built a new wing on the side of the fortress that overlooks Lake Albano. Some years later, the renowned Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini developed a second wing, under Pope Alexander VII, and over the years new lots of land with their villas were acquired and elaborate gardens were developed.

The pontifical villas of Castel Gandolfo cover a triangle-shaped swath of the town, totaling about 135 acres. A working farm provides produce — fruits and vegetables, oil, eggs and dairy products — to the pope’s kitchens, both here and in Vatican City. Though the villas are under pontifical jurisdiction and high walls and secure gates bar entry to outsiders, there is considerable interaction with the town. Advertisement Continue reading the main story “Formally we are two states, but in fact it’s all one community,” said the mayor, Milvia Monachesi, noting that a number of its 9,000 residents work for the papal villas. The pope’s current butler is from Castel Gandolfo. He replaced Paolo Gabriele, the manservant convicted of leaking confidential Vatican documents, an episode that weighed heavily on the final year of Benedict’s pontificate. Sentenced to 18 months in prison in October, Mr. Gabriele was later pardoned by the pope. Townspeople of a certain age still recall the protection given by Pope Pius XII after Allied troops landed in Anzio in 1944 and the area became an open war zone.

Some 12,000 people found refuge in the pontifical villas. “Around here there are many people named Pio or Pia, Eugenio or Eugenia,” in honor of Eugenio Pacelli, who became Pius XII, said Pier Paolo Turoli, an administrator of the Pontifical Villas at Castel Gandolfo. Like other towns in the Alban hills, Castel Gandolfo is a popular weekend destination for Romans escaping the capital’s chaos. “But when the pope is here, it becomes the center of the world,” Ms. Monachesi said, with a surge in pilgrims, tourists and the occasional head of state. “We’re small, but we’re also very international.” Photo The door to the Papal Palace. Credit Gianni Cipriano for The New York Times It was natural, residents say, for Benedict to want to return to “a place that he loved,” the mayor said. A plaque outside city hall quotes the pope’s own 2011 endorsement: “... Here I find everything. Mountains, a lake, and I can even see the sea ...

And good people.” The pope will arrive here by helicopter on Thursday afternoon, and will address the members of the diocese of Albano from the apostolic palace in the square in the final hours of his pontificate, which will end precisely at 8 p.m. “Symbolically, at that time we will see the gates of the palace close, and the Swiss Guards will make their departure,” the Rev. Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said at a news briefing on Tuesday, speaking of the armed forces that have served as papal bodyguards since 1506. The Vatican police will take over the protection of the former pontiff. The pope will reside in his summer apartment here with his two secretaries and four memores, the laywomen of the community Memores Domini who care for him, said Saverio Petrillo, the director of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo. The intimate setting “allows for a more familial life,” he said. Advertisement Continue reading the main story Benedict will have access to landscaped gardens built over the ruins of the sprawling villa used as a summer residence by the Emperor Domitian, who ruled in the first century.

“Castel Gandolfo is one place where the pope can find privacy,” Mr. Turoli said. “And it’s our job to ensure that he has a restful stay here.” Anna Maria Vici Torrigiani, whose shop here makes cassocks and church decorations, presented the pope last year with an icon of the Virgin Mary against a background that depicts Lake Albano and Castel Gandolfo. “I am hoping that he will take the icon with him when he goes into the convent in the Vatican,” she said. “Given he won’t be able to see the world anymore, I hope he will bring a bit of Castel Gandolfo with him.” A version of this article appears in print on February 27, 2013, on Page A8 of the New York edition with the headline: Hilltop Town, a Host to Popes for Centuries, Prepares for an Eminent Retiree.

Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe Castel Gandolfo: History of the Summer Residence of the Pope - SPIEGEL ONLINE Castel Gandolfo: History of the Summer Residence of the Pope Castel Gandolfo The Colorful History of the Pope's Summer Home Pope Benedict has withdrawn to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is chosen. But few know that the papal summer residence of almost 400 years has a curious history, serving as a hideout for Jews, delivery ward and target for paparazzi. Comment In the late evening of Aug. 6, 1978, a heavy iron chain was pulled across the door of the papal summer palace. All the lights in the area were turned off, and the flag was set at half-mast. The fountain on the village square in front of the palace ran dry, and the bells of the nearby church began to ring. These symbolic signs marked the end of Pope Paul VI's term in office. He had died at his summer residence at 9:40 p.m., a few hours after having a massive heart attack.

Just like his predecessors, Pope Paul had withdrawn from the Vatican when the hot summer months began, heading to Castel Gandolfo to enjoy the cool climate and relax during long strolls through the gardens at the almost 400-year-old papal palace. At 8 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2013, the third papacy in the history of the Catholic Church will come to an end at this history-rich location in the Alban Hills, where Pope Benedict XVI will go while a conclave is held to choose his successor. It's a striking place, and not just because of its long history. It was here that Emperor Domitian (AD 81-96) once ordered the bloody persecution of early Christians. Roman emperors had come to appreciate the climate it offered at 426 meters (1,400 feet) above sea level, and Domitian had a palace erected here. Around 1200, the Gandolfi family from Genoa, which Castel Gandolfi would later be named after, built a villa here. Since 1596, the main part of what is now the papal summer residence has been owned by the Vatican.

Italian Occupiers Urban VIII (1623-1649) had the massive summer palace built and was the first pope to vacation here. German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe visited the town in 1787, while on his famous Italian journey, and gushingly praised its idyllic location on the deep-blue Lake Albano. The popes held it in equal esteem, and almost all of them would make annual pilgrimages to the site. This tradition came to a sudden end in 1870, when Italian soldiers took control of the Papal State and then-Pope Pius IX declared himself a "prisoner in the Vatican" in protest. Legend holds that the pope lived out the last eight years of his life without setting foot outside Rome's Apostolic Palace, the residence of modern-day popes. The same fate awaited his successors, leaving Castel Gandolfo to fall into a type of hibernation for several decades. This all ended in 1929, when the Lateran Treaty, signed with what was then the Kingdom of Italy, guaranteed the Holy See its summer residence in perpetuity.

Castel Gandolfo was designated part of the territory of the Vatican City State and would enjoy extraterritorial status from then on. Secret Refuge for Jews In 1934, Pius XI became the first 20th-century pope to visit the palace. He had the old masonry repaired and outfitted the residence with radios, telephones, heating, electric lights and an elevator. A year later, he celebrated the establishment of a new telescope for the Vatican Observatory on the palace's roof. The astronomers of the Papal See migrated from the Vatican Gardens to Castel Gandolfo because all the electric lights in the Eternal City had made things too bright. Along with them came the Vatican's meteorite collection, one of the most significant collections of cosmic rocks in the world. Pius XI also had greenhouses and cattle barns set up so that the Vatican could provide itself with food -- a far-sighted decision. In May 1938, when Hitler made an official state visit to Rome to meet with Mussolini and the entire city was decked with Nazi flags, Pius XI and Cardinal Secretary of State Pacelli, the later Pope Pius XII, demonstrably withdrew to Castel Gandolfo.

The pope was intent on avoiding having to meet with the German dictator, whom he had sharply criticized -- without naming Hitler directly -- as a "prophet of delusion" a year earlier in his "Mit brennender Sorge" ("With burning concern") encyclical. Pius XI remained at Castel Gandolfo for six months before returning to Rome in late October 1938, where he died shortly thereafter. In August 1939, the new pope, Pius XII, made a global appeal to the world from Castel Gandolfo: "Nothing is lost with peace, everything may be lost in a war." But his warnings were ignored and, within a few years, both war and Nazi terror would also reach Rome and its surroundings. In 1943, German soldiers would occupy the Eternal City and began deporting Roman Jews. Pius XII initially didn't react to the persecution of Jews taking place outside his windows. Later, he would order churches, cloisters and other Vatican properties -- including Castel Gandolfo -- to be used to shelter for those being targeted. Several hundred Jews were supposedly kept hidden and provided with kosher food at the summer residence.

Gaining more precise information about this matter is difficult because the related Vatican files are still sealed. What is certain, however, is that in October 1943, the Vatican dispatched a contingent of papal Palatine Guards to stand guard at Castel Gandolfo. This unit was then gradually strengthened by volunteers until the Vatican exclave was protected by thousands. Papal Bedroom as Birthing Chamber In the spring of 1944, thousands of people from nearby took advantage of the special legal status of Castel Gandolfo to seek refuge from Allied bombing raids. The territory of the neutral Vatican was considered inviolable and safe from attack. Even so, on the morning of February 10, a bomb dropped from a plane fell on the summer residence right when a crowd of people was gathering for the distribution of the daily milk ration. Over the following days, more than 500 corpses were dug out from beneath the wreckage. At roughly the same time, the papal chambers had come to resemble a maternity ward. Pregnant refugees had sought safety there, and the screams of newborn babies were heard in the papal bedroom.

The Vatican says that some 40 children were born at Castel Gandolfo during this period. In thanks, many mothers even named their children after Pius XII, christening them Pio, the Italian version of Pius, or Eugenio, the pope's given first name. Pius XII himself didn't return to Castel Gandolfo until 1946, and his last visit was on July 24, 1958. By that point, he only had two months to live. In early October, he suffered two strokes in the papal summer residence, which left him in agony for several days. For the first time, the eyes of the world were directed not on Rome, but on Castel Gandolfo, some 25 kilometers away. 'I Want the Dead Pope Live!' The TV crews arrived, Vatican Radio set up a makeshift radio studio in the summer palace, and newspapers dispatched special correspondents, who were forced to sit outside its doors around the clock. In the competition to be the first to report the pope's death, there were a number of premature announcements.

The news coordinator in Brussels of Eurovision, the pan-European television network that was launched in 1950 to share content (and that organizes the annual song contest), reportedly exhorted his counterparts at Rai, the Italian public broadcaster, to stay vigilant with the words "I want the dead pope live!" He finally died early on the morning of Oct. 9, 1958. John Paul II precipitated a media event of a completely different sort, as the first pope to use the papal summer residence for athletic activities. He played tennis, kicked around a ball with the sons of the gardeners and swam laps in a pool specially built for him. To those who criticized the pool's construction, he countered that electing a new pope would be even more expensive. Paparazzi took advantage of the opportunity and snapped photographs of the pope in his swimming trunks. In the mid-1980s, the Polish pope once again made his summer residence a topic of conversation by inviting prominent philosophers and theologians for visits. During the so-called Castel Gandolfo Talks, held in the Swiss Hall, the pope would sit in his armchair in the corner listening in silence.

If he was interested in or disagreed with something in one of the lectures, he would invite the person who delivered it to eat lunch with him in his dining room. A Place for Decisions Benedict XVI, the professor pope, continued this tradition of inviting prominent figures to the summer residence. In addition to former Ph.D. students and classmates, he would host others at Castel Gandolfo, including church critic Hans Küng, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Bernand Fellay, the superior general of the ultraconservative Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX), and the ambassadors of several Muslim countries. The latter were quickly summoned to Gandolfo in September 2006 to smooth things over after he had sparked an uproar with an address he delivered in the German city of Regensburg that leading figures in Islam criticized as "hate speech." The elderly pope is now withdrawing to Castel Gandolfo while his successor is being chosen in Rome. But there he will also be confronted with the dark sides of his papacy. This residence in the Alban Hills might have also been the place where he reached his decision to step down.

It was here that he withdrew to in early April 2012, after an exhausting trip to Mexico and Cuba and the energy-sapping Easter celebrations. Less than a year later, he is returning here from Rome as a pope emeritus. Once his successor is installed, he will return to the Vatican and reside in the Mater Ecclesiae monastery. This article originally appeared in German on einestages.de , SPIEGEL ONLINE's history portal. Article... Tweet About Castel Gandolfo: As anyone who has ever been to Rome in the summer time can attest, the city can be unbearably hot. This was certainly the case before air conditioning. No wonder then that the Popes chose to reside in the nearby town of Castel Gandolfo, about 15 miles Southeast of the city. Close to Rome, but averaging slightly cooler temperatures and mild breezes, the town made a perfect escape from the sultry Papal palace. Although the invention of air conditioning obviously makes things more bearable, the Popes have continued this tradition as a means of taking a bit of a break from their daily activities at the Vatican, although much work continues to be done at the summer palace.

The first Pope to stay here was Pope Urban VI, in 1628. If you happen to be in Rome in July or August...or any other month for that matter....we suggest you consider heading over to Castel Gandolfo. The Holy Father normally leads the Angelus from here instead of Saint Peter's on Sundays in July and August and often comes out to greet pilgrims. The Wednesday weekly audiences in Rome are usually cancelled from about July 7th through most of August. However, the Pope occasionally has the Wednesday audience here at Castel Gandolfo. Be sure to check because if Wednesday audience is on the schedule during the summer it can be either here or in Rome. On occasions various Popes have been known to lead the rosary although not on a regularly scheduled basis. The Holy Father would often come out to greet the pilgrims personally, as shown above when now Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI greeted a group of nuns who have traveled to Castel Gandolfo for the weekly Papal audience. It was a special treat to get to see him up close--ask anyone who has had that experience. We expect Pope Francis will no doubt do the same--he is definitely a "people person".

In addition to the Papal palace Castel Gandolfo raises much of its own food right here: milk from their own cows, chickens, vegetable gardens and olive trees that are centuries old. These are also delivered daily to the Vatican. There are three tiers of gardens as well, known as the Barberini Gardens. The first is a floral garden, the second consists of what might be called a maze and the third is a citrus garden with lemon and orange trees. Unfortunately there are no guided tours of the Papal residence itself; however, the Barberini Garden is now open to visitors six days per week. Since Pope Francis does not summer here, it has had a negative effect on the town's economy, and so the gardens and the new gallery are now open to the public. Guided tours are offered several times each day. Each tour requires a guide and there is a charge for the tour. You may also visit the new papal portrait gallery in the Apostolic Palace. Click here for information concerning guided tours of the Barberini Garden . Castel Gandolfo also houses the Vatican Observatory as well as a small farm and other residences. Overall, the Papal area at Castel Gandolfo is larger than Vatican City itself.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was in residence at Castel Gandolfo after renouncing his office, but has since moved to his new permanent place of residence, a small convent (Mater Ecclesiae) within the Vatican Gardens . Getting there: There is bus service to Castel Gandolfo and train service from Roma Termini. The train trip is about 45 minutes and very scenic. However the train station is about half way up the slope to the town so it is a fairly strenuous climb up to the town square. As of September 2015, on Saturdays only, you can now travel by train directly from the Vatican Train Station to Castel Gandolfo. Reservations and tickets should be arranged through the Vatican Museums website . From Vatican City to Castel Gandolfo, The Pope's Digs - ABC News ABC News From Vatican City to Castel Gandolfo, The Pope's Digs February 27, 2013 By TIFFANY HAGLER-GEARD via WORLD NEWS Pope Benedict XVI's eight year residency at the Vatican comes to a close this week, and with his historic retirement, the pontiff will leave his residence at the Vatican.

In retirement, he will still reside on Vatican grounds, but in a former nunnery that is to be renovated. During the Conclave to find the next pope, Benedict will reside at the Apostolic Palace on Lake Albano, southwest of Rome. Benedict XVI will stay at the Vatican's summer residence from Feb. 28 until the convent of Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) will be ready. Here is a look at the Vatican, Castel Gandolfo, and the Apostolic Palace. Pope Benedict XVI delivers his blessing during his last Angelus noon prayer from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. (L'Osservatore Romano/AP) Seen here is an aerial view of St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican during sunset in 2011. (AFP/Getty Images) Pope Benedict XVI leads the mass for Ash Wednesday, opening Lent, the 40 day period of abstinence and deprivation for the Christians before Holy Week and Easter, Feb. 13, 2013 at St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican.

(Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images) A view of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel on Jan. 11, 2009 in Vatican City. The Sistine Chapel is named after his commissioner, Sixtus IV della Rovere (1471-1484), who decided to have a large room built where the Cappella Magna once stood. The Cappella Magna was a medieval fortified hall that the Papal Court used for assemblies. At that time, it was made up of about 200 members: a college of 20 cardinals, representatives of religious orders and important families, a choir, and a large number of laymen and servants. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images) Swiss Guards arrive at the Cortile di San Damaso of the Apostolic Palace at the Apostolic Palace on Dec. 17, 2012 in Vatican City. Pope Sixtus V (1585- 1590) built the Apostolic Palace where the present pope lives and where every Sunday at noon he stands at the window, and blesses the crowd that gathers in the magnificent St. Peter's Square.

(Franco Origlia/Getty Images) A bishop walks below Throne's Hall paintings during the courtesy visits to the newly appointed cardinals at the Apostolic Palace, Nov. 24, 2012 in Vatican City. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images) A view of the Seconda Loggia of the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 25, 2012 in Vatican City. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images) Swiss Guards stand on attention in the Clementina Hall at the Apostolic Palace, Oct. 29 2012 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images) A view of the Seconda Loggia of the Apostolic Palace on Oct. 25, 2012 in Vatican City. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images) A Swiss Guard stands at the Throne's Hall during the courtesy visits to the newly appointed cardinals at the Apostolic Palace on Nov. 24, 2012. (Franco Origlia/Getty Images) Pope Benedict XVI delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" message and blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the end of the Easter Mass on April 8, 2012.

(L'Osservatore Romano Vatican Pool via Getty Images) CASTEL GANDOLFO A view of of the Apostolic Palace and the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo on the Albano lake, that will be Pope Benedict XVI's residence during the next Conclave, Feb. 20, 2013 in Rome, Italy. The Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, 10 miles south Rome, is the summer residence of popes. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) The balcony of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo where Benedict XVI made his last public appearance as pope. The Apostolic Palace and The Ponifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, 10 miles south Rome, are the summer residence of popes and will host Pope Benedict XVI during the next conclave. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) A view of a room inside the Apostolic Palace in the village of Castel Gandolfo. Pope Benedict XVI will stay at the Vatican's summer residence from Feb. 28 until the convent of Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) will be ready for him to live there.

Pope Benedict XVI began a week-long spiritual retreat out of the public eye on Feb. 18 ahead of his resignation on Feb. 28 2013 with the field of candidates to succeed him still wide open. (Filippo Monteforte/AFP/Getty Images) A cross stands in the Roman catacombs in the gardens of the Pontifical residence of Castel Gandolfo. The Apostolic Palace and The Ponifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, 10 miles south Rome, are the summer residence of popes and will host Pope Benedict XVI during the next conclave. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) The gardens of the pontifical residence of Castel Gandolfo. (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images Details in the Chinese Room room of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo. The Apostolic Palace and The Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, 10 miles south of Rome, are the summer residence of popes and will host Pope Benedict XVI during the next Conclave.

(Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) Castel Gandolfo: Where The Pope Will Spend His Vacation (PHOTOS) | The Huffington Post Castel Gandolfo: Where The Pope Will Spend His Vacation (PHOTOS) 02/21/2013 09:08 am ET | Updated Feb 21, 2013 When Pope Benedict announced that he would resign last week, speculation immediately turned toward who would pick up where he left off, but one of the more tantalizing mysteries facing Vatican observers was exactly where an ex-pope might go. The answer was given a little while later, when the pontiff announced plans to visit Castel Gandolfo, a traditional papal summer residence and popular tourist attraction roughly 10 miles from Rome. The pope's retreat, with its sweeping gardens and view of Lake Albano, compares rather favorably to most communities -- and has a number of things in common with Florida's many retirement developments. The lakeside surrounding the town of Lazio has been a destination for well-heeled Romans for going on 400 years and these days it's positively littered with comely villas and ill-advised statuary.

Tourists come to this part of Italy to see the ruins of the residence of the early Roman Emperor Domitian and to visit St. Thomas, a church built by the incomparable sculptor Bernini . The area's natural beauty and the papal residence are also big draws. A road leads up from the center of town to the pope's summer place and, come August, visitors will be able to receive a blessing from the former head of the church. Pope Benedict will be in Castel Gandolfo while the Papal Conclave takes place. Not a bad place to go after giving notice. Castel Gandolfo Pope's Summer Residence - Review of Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, Castel Gandolfo, Italy - TripAdvisor Review of Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Ancient Appian Way and Castel Gandolfo Lake Tour See more tours on Viator “Pope's Summer Residence” Reviewed February 20, 2016 This small Italian village was/is the home of the Popes summer residence. Located south of Rome and accessible by train, it is a great getaway for a day. Great restaurants, views of the sea and Lake Albano and plenty of shops.

We combined our visit with a tour of Barberini Gardens booked through the Vatican. What a treat! You can also tour the Pope's summer residence for around 15 euros. A museum in the residence gives you a history of the Popes as well as items they owned, wore, etc...Worth the visit! Visited September 2015 Ask Miskell1964 about Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 638 reviews from our community Visitor rating 4 reviews 12 helpful votes “Easy day trip out of Rome to a pretty village and the history of the Popes” Reviewed February 10, 2016 Castel Gandolfo is a small village in the hills about 40 min from Rome that has the Pope's summer palace of which part is open to the public as a museum. The palace gardens are also open to the public, but we did not go to these (it was Feb). The village is a typical Italian village that has at least one nice restaurant with views over the lake - we ate here and the rabbit was very good. We enjoyed just walking slowly around the village.

The museum has paintings of the Popes from early 1500's to the present with an excellent audio guide - it would be meaningless without it. There are also about a dozen objects and a couple of dioramas to look at. The description of the various good works performed by the Popes was interesting - emphasis was put on religious building works and grand projects (e.g. Trevi fountain) with the works for the people (e.g. hospitals) coming only at the end. The guide also covered: nepotism; accumulation and squandering of wealth; politics, alliances and wars; excommunication of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I; etc - this was enlightening and helps an understanding of why the reformation came about (though the Borgia Popes were too early for the guide). We pre-booked a tour starting at 12.00 which the Vatican web site said was the last tour of the day and would take an hour. In the event we wandered in slightly early, only saw one other couple doing the tour and were left alone to do it in our own time - we finished at 13.20. The 12.00 entry is the latest available.

We went very much out of season so had to make our own way to the village (on Saturdays you can get a tour from the Vatican). This is very easy, but there are not many trains (ask your hotel to check the times - we first did a web search and one site gave the wrong info/time). On our day trains left Roma termini at 08.21, 09.00 (both direct) and 10.28 (change at Ciampino) with return at 12.47 and then at 51 min past the hour through to 20.51 (all direct). It is very easy to spot when you are arriving at the Castel Gandolfo station - you come out of a tunnel and there is a large lake to the left (it is the 7th stop on the direct train). On the 10.28 you get off at the second station (you see Ciampino airport on the right as you approach the station) and just walk down the steps to the tunnel where there is a video screen which will show the platform from which the 10.58 going via Castel Gandolfo leaves.

At the Castel Gandolfo station go right (hand written sign to 'centro') for about 50m and then walk up the no through road on the left to steps up to the village (there is a sign to the apostolic palace). Allow 15 min to walk up. Train tickets are Eur2.10 one way. Buy these from the automatic machines in Roma termini and also buy the return ticket on the way out - we did not and could not buy return tickets in Castel Grandolfo as the station was shut, 3 shops in the village had run out and a 4th was closed. Tickets are checked and validated at termini as you walk through to the platform, but on the way back you must validate them at the machines on the platform. Note: when buying your return ticket at termini, don't worry about the exact time of your return as the validation sets it. Visited February 2016 “Perfect Day Trip from Rome” Reviewed January 13, 2016 Each time we visit Rome we try to go somewhere new. This was a perfect day trip. It cost €8.40 for two return tickets from Roma Termini.

The train trip is around 40 mins and climbs gently giving great views back to Rome and following aqueducts along the Appian Way, but none of this prepares you for the view of the town and lake. The train trip alone is worth the time. When leaving the station turn right and walk up hill about 50m on your left you see signs to the Centro and Palazzo. Walk up the ramps to come out in the main piazza. As usual in Italy the signs are not clear on exiting the station. The town is quaint and worth a few hours to appreciate. We ate in a restaurant overlooking the lake. As a geology fan it was brilliant to see this caldera. The return train leaves hourly at 9 minutes to the hour, so just time your downhill walk to include lots of photos. We did this in the height of winter and there was enough to fill our day. Enjoy! Reviewed January 2, 2016 via mobile I found this tour when I booked online for entry tickets to the Vatican Museum (official Vatican tour website). The cost of 16euros per ticket includes return rail ticket, transfer the Popes summer residence and entrance to the museum.

All in all very good value for money and with enough time to explore the town and have lunch at one of the very good restaurants. Bonus was the wonderful views over the lake. I visited in January and had to dodge some showers, I will certainly try this tour again in the summer. Visited January 2016 Pope's Summer Residence - Review of Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo, Castel Gandolfo, Italy - TripAdvisor Review of Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo Ancient Appian Way and Castel Gandolfo Lake Tour See more tours on Viator “Pope's Summer Residence” Reviewed September 25, 2012 I was fortunate to visit this place on Easter Sunday & were excited because we were told that the Pope would be coming to rest after a hectic Holy Week activities in the Vatican. At first the doors were closed when we arrived around 4:30pm, later, they were opened & the colorful uniformed Swiss guards stood at the entrance. We waited & waited until it rained but the Pope never showed up.

Anyway, Castel Gandolfo is a small compact place complete with a square, a church & some shops selling souvenirs & some cafes & restaurants. Lake Albano can be seen just nearby. Actually, the Pope's summer residence is really the focal point of this place. For me, this is a must-see attraction. Visited April 2012 Ask Amethyst59 about Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. 638 reviews from our community Visitor rating “Pope Summer residance” Reviewed July 23, 2012 A small town not far from Rome- the summer resort of the Pope- above Lake Albano just to stroll in the town - a wonderful view of the Lake- u can take a bus or a train from Rome or by bicycle- don't miss the Pope public Mass when he stayed there. Visited April 2012 Ask Ram.dr. D about Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfo This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

escortcab “Stunning” Reviewed July 19, 2012 I visited the Lake of Castel Gandolfo, not really knowing what to find before I went apart from a picture or two on the net. You climb up through the villages near the lake, which is pleasant, you reach the top of the surrounding hills to the lake and the environment is transformed. You get to see the turquoise shimmering water of Lago Castel Gandolfo for the first time, and weave your way down the side of the hill, till you are at the base. There you can park up right next to the lake at various pay and display carparks, the price is 1.40 euro's per hour (July2012). Once you are there, you can skirt the lake to find the best spot to enter the beach. There is one part of the lake which is predominent for beach and lounging areas. However do not think that the first place with parasols is where you have to go, walk along the beach and find a good spot.

I made the mistake, with the beach right next to the carpark, and found that that part of the beach was sticky mud under the sand, however 50mtrs along the beach the sand is softer and cleaner. The Black sand looks like it could be a slight turn off, but this attraction is in a dormant volcano, hence why you have to climb through towns and villages to get to the top then descend into the actual crater. There are various cafe's and Restaurants, some with their own beach access, some also have canoes to hire and Pedalo (paddle boat), 5 euros for 3hrs of canoe, and 10 euros for 3hrs of a Pedalo. The volcano sides are awash with trees and sporadic buildings/villas, one such building is an observatory, which is on top of a palace, this is where the Pope visits this location every single year, and you can quite clearly see why when you go there. Summary, I spent from 08:30am - 1pm there, ample car parking space when I arrived but filled up later.

Had a canoe all that time, spent 10 euros for the pleasure, and hired 1 sun lounger for 5 euros for the day, and 1 umbarella for the same amount. I took my own lunch and snacks with me. Definately worth a look if you are anywhere near Rome. Visited July 2012 “Could be visited in 10 minutes” Reviewed April 11, 2012 Yes there is a beautiful mountain lake, yes it is nice. But in my opinion it is definitely not worthy of 40 minutes of train ride from Rome Termini. Train hours are very irregular so please check and plan your trip very carefully. After 10 minutes there is not much to do. Probably you can walk down to lake but walking up to the train station could be painful (which we did). Also the mountain road to Pope's house is used by race motorcycle-people for speed tests so please be aware of the traffic to prevent any collision.

Visited April 2012 Hotel Castel Gandolfo Roma,Castelgandolfo hotel, lake view hotel roma Breathtaking View for your Relaxing Moments Hotel Castelgandolfo In the Castelli Romani area (Roman castels), on the shores of the Lake Albano, the Hotel Castelgandolfo enjoys a privileged location in the historic centre of Castel Gandolfo a few meters from the historic summer residence of the Pope, the Papal Palace in Piazza Centrale. The hotel, recently renovated, provides elegant and comfortable rooms equipped with every comfort for a relaxing and comfortable stay. Excellent is the breakfast buffet, full of traditional sweets prepared at home with natural products of their tradition. Castel Gandolfo offers the possibility to practice different types of outdoor sports, from sailing, to canoeing, to windsurfing on the lake; for golf lovers nearby clubs affiliated with the hotel are available. Organizing a scenic walk along the trails surrounding the lake, you will relax in the shade of chestnut and oak trees and a unique panorama.

The hotel’s strategic position will allow you to easily reach all places of historical and naturalistic interest, from the picturesque villages of the Castelli Romani for a journey to discover the local traditions between nature, food and wine, to the historic Capital in order to grasp its artistic beauty. Utilizziamo i cookie per offrire i servizi e le funzionalitÃ proposte dal nostro sito web e per migliorare lâesperienza degli utenti. I cookie sono piccoli file o porzioni di dati che vengono scaricati o archiviati sul tuo computer o altri dispositivi. Possono contenere informazioni sul tuo uso del nostro sito web (includendo alcuni servizi di terze parti e funzionalitÃ offerte dal nostro sito web). Facendo clic su âAccettoâ acconsenti a tale uso dei cookie. Puoi sempre ritirare il consenso successivamente. Tieni presente che se elimini o disattivi i nostri cookie puoi sperimentare interruzioni o funzionalitÃ limitate in alcune aree del sito web.

Question: Whose summer residence is the Castelgandalfo?
Answer: THE POPE